Title: BCAS: a web-enabled and GIS-based decision support system for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer

Authors: Guisseppi A. Forgionne, Aryya Gangopadhyay, Monica Adya, Joseph K. Tan

Addresses: Information Systems Department, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Catonsville, MD 21250, USA. Information Systems Department, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Catonsville, MD 21250, USA. Information Systems Department, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Catonsville, MD 21250, USA. Department of HealthCare & Epidemiology, University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada

Abstract: For decades, geographical variations in cancer rates have been observed, but the precise determinants of such geographic differences in breast cancer development are unclear. Various statistical models have been proposed. Applications of these models, however, require that the data be assembled from a variety of sources, converted into the statistical models| parameters and delivered effectively to researchers and policy makers. A web-enabled and GIS-based system can be developed to provide the needed functionality. This article overviews the conceptual web-enabled and GIS-based system (BCAS), illustrates the system|s use in diagnosing and treating breast cancer and examines the potential benefits and implications for breast cancer research and practice.

Keywords: geographic information systems (GIS); breast cancer detection; decision support; web-enabled technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2001.001120

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2001 Vol.3 No.5/6, pp.424-443

Published online: 30 Jun 2003 *

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